Budget constraints help redefine government’s role

Connecticut and the city of Hartford's new shared economic reality is getting its most public face yet, as budget constraints lead to the closure of historic landmarks and cultural/social events that bring the community together.

The state-funded Old State House is closing, at least temporarily. Hartford's Riverfest fireworks display has been canceled, and other major Capital City events, including First Night and Winterfest, are on the chopping block as Mayor Luke Bronin has cut funding for special events, which the city has subsidized over the years.

Politically, pulling funding for such events isn't a great move, but it's certainly the right decision. Let's be honest: Of all the difficult choices Bronin and the state legislature must make, spending on special events or museums falls toward the bottom of the priority list. Let's remember, nearly a thousand state employees have lost their jobs, while more layoffs loom at city hall.

Yes, Hartford gets another black eye, but the city's main priority is fiscal discipline.

To be clear, events like Riverfest and First Night are important components to creating a vibrant city. They bring excitement to Hartford as well as business to local restaurants. Attractions like Old State House also woo tourists downtown, while preserving the cultural and historical roots crucial to any major city destination.

But there's a much larger issue at play, mainly that state and local governments can no longer afford to spend freely without disregard for the financial consequences. That's what got us into this fiscal mess in the first place.

We are in an important period in Connecticut where fiscal constraints are helping to redefine the role of government in our daily lives. Few would argue against the fact that government's reach is stretched too far and thin. We are now in a market correction that will force us to ask tough questions and make difficult decisions. For example, should government help subsidize a museum or fireworks display, or should that role be left to private or corporate donors? Should the city of Hartford be forced to pay for all the security at major events that attract crowds from across the state, or should there be a regional approach to funding?

There will also be greater pressure on corporations and foundations to help save city events and programs that lose funding. We do think it's important that the business community step up its support of the Capital City, but they too must prioritize their commitments. As the state and city slash significant spending, there has been and will continue to be unprecedented demands on corporate donors from the nonprofit community. Not all programs and services can be saved.

The focus must be on funding initiatives that have the greatest impact on society. For example, we applaud recent efforts by several donors — The Hartford, Barbara Dalio and the Dalio Foundation, Aetna Foundation, Travelers Foundation and Newman's Own Foundation — to ante up $2.2 million to help fund the Hartford Youth Service Corps, which will initially hire 200 underserved city youths to perform North End cleanup and beautification assignments, creating both jobs and learning experiences for those who otherwise wouldn't have experienced them.

Government must get back to the basics, funding support systems that help the most needy.

Everything else should and will be on the chopping block. This is the new economic reality.